Reality TV sensation ‘Married at First Sight’ expands its global reach

Australia’s 9Network has made a significant move by acquiring every season of the English-language versions of the popular reality show “Married at First Sight”. This acquisition includes productions from the U.S., U.K., New Zealand, and South Africa. Additionally, 9Network has launched a dedicated Married at First Sight FAST channel on its 9Now streaming platform, ensuring fans have round-the-clock access to their favorite show.

A comprehensive deal with Seven.One Studios

The deal with Seven.One Studios is comprehensive, covering all existing and future English-speaking seasons of the show. “Married at First Sight” is a unique reality series where singles, who have struggled to find love, entrust a team of experts to select their perfect partner. The couples meet for the first time at the altar, and from there, the cameras capture every moment of their journey—from the first kiss to the first tears. After six weeks of marriage, the couples must decide whether to stay together or part ways.

Success of the Australian version

The Australian version of the show, created and produced by Snowman Productions for Denmark’s DR, is now in its 11th season. It has garnered an impressive average audience of over two million total TV viewers. The entire series reached 14.2 million people across total TV, marking a 4% year-on-year increase. Broadcast TV saw a 1.5% increase, while Broadcaster-VOD experienced a 9.6% rise compared to season 10.

In the crucial 25-54 demographic, the series recorded a Total TV National Average Audience of 1.003 million viewers per episode, representing a 4.3% year-on-year growth. On BVOD, the 25-54 audience increased by 11% year-on-year.

Global impact and future prospects

The show’s format has been sold to over 130 countries, with current commissions numbering over 30 across five continents. This global reach underscores the universal appeal of the “Married at First Sight” concept, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Joan Chen honored at U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit

Renowned actor and director Joan Chen will be honored at the 15th U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit and Game Changer Awards on November 12. Chen, who recently starred in the Sundance Film Festival Award-winning feature “Dìdi”, will accept her recognition on stage at the event hosted by the Asia Society Southern California.

Celebrating a trailblazer

Joan Chen’s illustrious career includes roles in films such as “The Little Flower”, “The Last Emperor”, “Lust, Caution”, and “Twin Peaks”. As a director, she has helmed projects like “Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl” and “Autumn in New York”. The Asia Society praised Chen for paving the way for countless individuals of Asian descent to break into the industry.

Miky Lee receives Global Citizen Award

Miky Lee, vice chairwoman of CJ Group, was honored with the Global Citizen Award at the Atlantic Council’s awards ceremony in New York City. Lee is the first Asian female entrepreneur to receive this prestigious honor. Her acceptance speech emphasized the importance of cultural bridges of compassion, hope, and empathy, and the need to build a global platform for future generations.

A star-studded event

The ceremony was attended by high-profile figures including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, co-founder of DreamWorks SKG Jeffrey Katzenberg, former World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, and “Pachinko” author Min Jin Lee. Shari Redstone, chair of Paramount Global, presented the award to Lee.

Lee’s vision for the future

In her acceptance speech, Lee highlighted the universal appeal of K-pop and K-dramas, stating, “From our K-pop to our K-dramas, we have shown that cultural boundaries can be blurred, and that joy, laughter, and love are universal. It is not just about the content we make, it’s about the connections we create. Entertainment gives us a space where people from different backgrounds can come together and share something beautiful. Entertainment may not have the power to end wars, but it does have the power to build bridges. Bridges of compassion, hope, and empathy.”

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